Some individuals are destined to encounter a special friend. From director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, known for 'The Secret World of Arriety.' The film is based on a 1967 English novel with the same title, so certain characters were given Western names. I consider this a wonderful adaptation—a remarkable transformation from written words to a motion picture. It felt well-suited for a Japanese cultural and lifestyle perspective, particularly in this animated version featuring beautiful fictional coastal landscapes. When I think about this film going forward, the Marsh house will likely be the first thing that comes to mind; it’s certainly an unforgettable landmark. The promotional materials were underwhelming. The posters weren't very impressive, and the trailer was quite ordinary. My reason for seeing it was Studio Ghibli’s involvement—I didn’t expect anything spectacular. Even while watching, I thought it was just a pleasant mystery film, but sometimes a movie’s true value emerges with the final twist. As the end neared, my opinion shifted, especially after the revelation of what was hidden. Some films benefit from a second viewing to clear up questions about characters and scenes. This one doesn't seem to require that, if you pay close attention. It isn't as technically brilliant as the director’s previous work, but the story is strong and full of twists. The characters are very interesting, and suspense kept me engaged until the end. There aren't any loose ends; it certainly provides some topics for discussion. However, the narrative moves in a circular pattern, returning like a boomerang. That doesn't mean it involves time travel or anything similar. The storytelling bends and blends with time itself. You have to wait until the very end to understand what’s real and what isn’t. After seeing it, I realized that childhood memories can be powerfully evoked if we encounter familiar objects, places, or people later in life—I've had a few minor experiences like that myself. The opening dialogue provides a clue about the kind of film you’re about to see. There are two main girls, Anna and Marnie, similar to Anna and Elsa from 'Frozen.' The story shifts perspectives frequently, revealing its layered nature. Because this film is presented as a puzzle, viewers naturally try to solve it—and I did my best. I thought Anna's childhood toy had something to do with everything, but I was completely wrong; that was a clever distraction if you look closely. From another point of view, it reminded me somewhat of 'The Others' and 'The Orphanage,' though the story went in an entirely different direction. Whether or not you succeed in solving the mystery is enjoyable in itself—it ultimately gave me a sense of complete satisfaction, like I was revisiting 'The Uninvited.' It feels like the Oscars were just yesterday, but I’m already thinking about next year's ceremony. If I’m not mistaken, this film is definitely among the contenders for best animated feature, perhaps alongside 'The Good Dinosaur.' I would be disappointed if it wasn’t in the final five. There’s plenty of time between now and then, so anything could happen. Ultimately, this film has won my heart—and hopefully many others as well. While no one can replace Mr. Miyazaki, Hiromasa Yonebayashi seems capable of reaching a similar level if his future projects are as effective as this one. Best of luck to him; he's only 41. But Isao Takahata is 80 and still active, yet to announce his retirement, and this film felt very close in spirit to his 'Only Yesterday.' I love you more than any girl I've ever known. Studio Ghibli is like Disney’s equivalent from Japan. They are well-known for fairy tales with young girls as the main characters. The previous films weren't quite what we’ve come to expect, so it’s a relief that they’re back with this masterpiece. At the same time, I am saddened because this is their final film after 30 years of success. Everything has been falling apart since Hayao Miyazaki retired; management issues have arisen. They've explained the situation, and it’s supposedly temporary—I hope the production isn’t permanently halted by the rise of 3D animation. This film isn't just a product from this major anime studio; it is a masterpiece. As expected, it’s a movie geared towards girls, but that doesn't stop adults, especially men, from enjoying it. I loved it—whenever I like a movie, I hope for a sequel, and so I did with this one. Although the story feels complete, with nothing left to explore, perhaps something new could be added later on. Regardless of what happens, this film will remain among their best and can compete with any modern animations or live-action masterpieces. Highly recommended, not just for anime or animation fans, but also for those who enjoy mystery stories and layered storytelling. 9/10

Source on TMDB